INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION
By Chad Budreau, AMA Executive Director | chadb@modelaircraft.org
MODEL AVIATION HAS LED to many careers in sciences, arts, engineering, education, military, and aerospace. In the February 2021 issue of Model Aviation, we honored AMA Hall of Fame member Col. Robert “Bob” Thacker, who recently passed away. I encourage you to read about this decorated colonel and modeling enthusiast on page 15 of that issue and in the biography section of the AMA National Model Aviation Museum’s website at www.modelaircraft.org/welcome-national-model-aviation-museum.
I recently received a letter from AMA member Charles Greeb M.D. In his letter to the AMA, Dr. Greeb reminisced about his time with Col. Thacker at the flying field and added more background on Col. Thacker’s military accomplishments. Dr. Greeb related, “If you watched the movie Tora, Tora, Tora, about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, there was one scene that depicted a flight of B-17s landing at Hickam Field under attack by the Japanese. One bomber landed with one main wheel up. Col. Thacker actually piloted the airplane with one wheel and got it down safely for his crew.”
I share Col. Thacker’s story because it captures an important, and sometimes overlooked, component of our hobby. When we think of AMA and model aviation, we often conjure images of club flying fields, competitions, or fun-flys, but our hobby
Visit https://amaflightschool.org/quickprojects to access dozens of free projects and instructional videos to promote youth engagement in model aviation.
is much larger than that. Our hobby has impacted lives and changed the world!
After being introduced to model aviation at the age of 8 by a neighbor, Col. Thacker said, “I was hooked on aviation for the rest of my life.” Orville Wright similarly stated that his interest in flight began when he was approximately 8 years old, “after Father brought home to us a small toy [helicopter].”
Even contemporary aerospace engineers credit model aviation for their interest in full-scale aviation, including Mason Hutchison, who acknowledged his dad for introducing him to model aviation at age 8. He wrote, “... model aviation was the foundation upon which I’ve built a career.” Model aviation inspired him to help oversee the design, construction, and flight controls for the record-breaking 385-foot Stratolaunch in 2019.
These testimonies—and hundreds like them—illustrate the importance of involving youth in our hobby. Perhaps it is a coincidence, but Col. Thacker, Orville Wright, and Mason Hutchison were all 8 years old when they were first introduced to model aviation. Whether 8 or 18, we should look for opportunities to introduce youth to aeromodeling.
A few years ago, I found myself fighting a culture in Washington, D.C., that believed that it was “too dangerous and irresponsible” to allow youth to fly model aircraft. We are turning the tide, and many in our nation’s capital are finally recognizing the importance of getting youth involved in the hobby. Thanks to the great work of our Government Affairs team, Congress recently passed the National Defense Authorization Act that expands protections for youth and model aviation within a community-based organization and the classroom.
We should all continue to use this great hobby to inspire the next generation. Contact AMA’s Education department to learn how to partner with a school to form a Model Aviation Student Club or incorporate AMA curriculum. Visit https://amaflightschool.org/quickprojects and download more than two dozen quick aeromodeling projects that use common household items and share them with your children, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. Donate your copy of Model Aviation to a school library, dentist, or pediatrician. Work with your club to conduct flight demonstrations or static displays at community events.
This hobby has made a profound and positive impact—more than we will ever realize. Let’s keep inspiring youth by introducing them to model aviation.
Stay safe.
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Watch Chad’s weekly View From HQ videos at www.modelaircraft.org/viewfromhq.
